Tata Motors to supply 25 diesel series-hybrid buses to MMRDA
16 March 2016
Tata Motors has signed a contract to supply 25 Tata Starbus Diesel Series Hybrid Electric Buses with Full Low floor configuration with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)—the single largest order yet awarded for its hybrid electric vehicle technology. With these buses, the MMRDA will connect Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) to the railways stations of Sion, Bandra and Kurla in the next one year, improving feeder services, to the fastest-growing business hub in Mumbai.
The series hybrid technology offers improved fuel savings on the order of 25-30%, reduction in emissions in comparison to conventional buses and can run on pure electric mode, for around 30-35% of the total travel distance.
The batteries can be re-charged by the diesel, as well as through regenerative braking. The bus also incorporates ITS (Intelligence Transport Systems) for public information, through GPS via electronic destination display boards, indicating expected time of arrival at bus stops and route announcements within the bus etc. Further, bucket type seats, softer suspension, tubeless tires and lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) ensures that passengers are comfortable.
The vehicle also complies with all UBS-II (Urban Bus Specifications), AIS 052 (Automotive Industry Standards) and CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rules).
A fleet of 10 Tata Hybrid buses are already in operation in Madrid, Spain and together have covered more than 1,000,000 km (621,000 miles).
During the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Tata Motors introduced CNG-Electric Hybrid Buses—the first time that hybrid buses were used for public transportation in India. Tata Motors has also developed Full-Electric and Articulated buses to meet the future transport needs for envisaged Smart Cities.
(A hat-tip to Chris!)
This country loses about 650,000 people a year to air pollution. They understands the need to get off fossil fuels and I believe are making an effort to do that. They have the will, just not the resources to move faster. We on the other hand have the resources; but, are hamstrung by the oil industry controlled Republicans.
Posted by: Lad | 16 March 2016 at 11:27 AM
Well said Lad but just about every time a large US City wants to introduce more efficient electrified buses, the majority often rebels against the idea because, the initial purchase price is higher, regardless of lower total live time cost.
One way to offset or lower initial cost would be with higher subsidies paid by local carbon or fuel taxes? That would bring 75+% of local people against it.
Another way would be to import more efficient lower cost e-buses from BYD (China) or Tata (India)? Here again, that could put many Americans out of a job and people would rise against it.
Print another $850B and buy/subsidy Proterra and Flyers buses? Why not?
Alternatively, have the 1% pay back avoided taxes at the rate of $1+T/years and subsidy all e-buses at the rate of 60% for the next 10+ years or so.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 March 2016 at 11:50 AM
Toronto's experience with series-hybrid buses was not a good one. They were expensive to buy, the fuel savings did not live up to their promise, they were expensive to maintain. I hope Tata has done their homework ...
Posted by: Brian Petersen | 16 March 2016 at 03:01 PM
It seems that a one step move to e-buses may be easier, specially if subsidies are high enough to offset/cover 100% of the batteries and chargers cost?
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 March 2016 at 09:19 AM